Discussion

San Diego/ La Jolla Trip Review

First, thanks to all on this board that provided such great detailed reviews. I scoured this board looking for good spots in San Diego/La Jolla, and for the most part all were dead on.

Here is my take:

The Good:Whisknladle (La Jolla)- This is not to be missed level restaurant. Foodie haven, new menu daily, reasonable wine list and awesome locally sourced food. Awesome appetizers, entrees and a peanut butter ice cream that should be illegal! Service was top notch (our server was darn near giddy about the food). Almost everything we ordered was perfect (Caesar salads, chorizo/leek/squash soup, tuna tartare (really tuna ceviche), and butternut squash ravioli). One steak came out very undercooked (close to raw), but this was taken care of immediately and only slightly tarnished our thrilled feelings for this place.

El Pescador (La Jolla)- obvious warning is that this is a fish market first and very small restaurant (seafood only) second. But, without a doubt my favorite fish taco that I had in CA. Try it, you will not be disappointed.

George’s Terrace (La Jolla)- Ok, my expectations were very low. Scenic places generally have average food (at best). George’s was not great, but it was definitely better than average. Combine that with an incredible view and you have a nice treat. My recommendations- try their fish tacos and the tuna appetizer. These were by far the best dishes of the evening and if my group was dining again, many would order these as entrees. The only entrée that rated an above average review was the sesame encrusted Tombo (Tuna family- I think). Wine list was fairly pedestrian and inflated, but honestly, the view alone was worth the price of dinner.

As an aside, if you are looking for a place to stay in La Jolla, I cannot recommend Hotel Parisi highly enough. Simple, quiet and elegant. Plus (to make it relevant to chowhounders) they provide a free continental breakfast with some unbelievably fresh breads, pastries and cheeses.

The Bad:

Café Pacifica- This was recommended to us and this board had a couple solid reviews BUT (and I cannot stress that enough) this place was apparently sold to new owners and should not even be considered as a dining option. Food was average to far below average (and in several cases wholly inedible). Bar drinks were flat out disgusting (all mojitos and margaritas were sent back). Service was possibly the worst I have ever experienced. It was not rude (our server was actually very pleasant) but it was just totally absent! He simply left our large group alone for some seriously extended periods (including one 30 minute period…yes we timed it, it was that bad). The worst part is we were the only table in the place!! Please heed this advice and dine elsewhere. San Diego has too many outstanding options to waste an evening here.